L'ORBarista System Coffee and Espresso Machine Combo by Philips, Matte Black

I have been wanting an espresso maker like this for a very long time, but since I am on a tight budget, I really could not justify the splurge -- not just for the cost of the machine itself, but for the cost of pods as well. Recently, an Amazon account credit, gift certificate and Amazon sale resulted in my being able to finally order the L'OR. It did not come with instructions, which maybe most people don't need, but as a neophyte espresso machine person, I would have appreciated some basic "how to's". I did watch a video on the L'OR website, which was helpful, as it included how to get the spigots off in order to clean the machine properly. Not having a basic instruction booklet is the only complaint I have about the machine. I am in LOVE with it!! I am currently enjoying the samples that came free with my order, and so far the Onyx is my favorite.I had researched both this machine and the Nespresso equivalent trying to decide which would be the best for me, and the deciding factor is that this L'OR can make both espressos and a regular size cup of coffee. You can make small, medium and large espressos as well as small, medium and large coffees. The large coffee is LARGE! I had put a regular size coffee cup under the spigots, then had to switch it out. I used a soup cup instead as it was what I could quickly reach, and that cup was filled. Obviously the more water you use, the weaker the brew is, but with the stronger intensity of coffees this is a great option to have.I registered my machine with L'OR and can order the pods directly from them or from Amazon. I have not yet tried to use the Nespresso pods that are supposed to fit this machine, primarily because the L'OR espresso and coffee options are plentiful. I will still use my regular old coffee maker to make pitchers of iced coffee when needed, but my L'OR is perfect for those mornings when you need a good cup of coffee quickly or need a shot of espresso to start your day -- or after dinner! I used the espresso pods on small to add to some espresso martinis I recently made for company, and the shots were perfect!This machine is very easy to use, very easy to clean and so far I have not had any trouble with the pods sticking as some reviewers have had. You do need to be sure to pull the top up all the way before the pods will pop out, so if you have the machine located in an area with a lot of "head" space above the machine, I can see pods getting stuck. There is nothing blocking the top of my machine, so I am able to open the top all the way.While the water tank is easy to take out and put back, since it is a the back of the machine and I am somewhat lazy, I just leave the tank attached and fill it using a small pitcher of filtered water (not required, I just prefer to use filtered water as it helps keep build up to a minimum).I am very happy with my L'OR and while I had a wait a while to get it, it was well worth the wait. Enjoying a nice cup of coffee has quickly become a part of my lazy Sunday morning routine, as well as a quick espresso treat here and there. I am learning how to make lattes, cappucinos and espressos, and how to "properly" froth milk -- which honestly, I don't care how the froth looks, as is just for me! :) If you have been on the fence about buying this machine, then do yourself a favor and go for it!!

In short, just fantastic.Easy to use, it makes a great cup of coffee. Looking just like the pictures.The XL capsules, are L'OR exclusive as far as I can tell.For the other ones, any regular-shaped "nespresso shaped" capsule will work. Not the new virtuosa.The machine offers a small, medium, and large selection for each size capsule.The large size on a small capsule will let you pull it through long and press it again to stop.In the morning I use an XL capsule, with the medium size and it fills up a good size cup.For the XL I have only been able to find L'OR exclusive capsules and no other brands that fit.It is easy enough to order from their website, with freebees, and free shipping. Flavour profiles are good enough for me.If you want different flavours, there are more choices out there from many different brands in the small-size capsule.Easy, to put together and operate. It does not make any "milk" drinks i.e. cappuccino etc.It makes a great cup of coffee, consistently from small to large. The end result looks just like the pictures displayed, which is rare.I have been using it for about 2 months and still love it. There is some expected noise when brewing, but nothing too loud. I use it in the kitchen, early in the morning and it does not wake anyone up when their doors are closed.So, if you like coffee without the milky stuff added, it is just fantastic!!!

This machine is great! I bought this coffee maker after my Nespresso Vertuo machine was fried by an electrical surge at my house. I was looking for something that could make different size coffees like the Vertuo but had more reasonably priced pods. This fit the bill.I love it more than my Nepresso machine. The biggest difference is the full size coffee pods are still strong and flavorful unlike the Nespresso. The coffee is also much hotter. And best of all the pods are much cheaper. No more guilt about making a second cup!